WEEK ONE CRYSTAL BALL - WEEKEND: Giants-Commies takes me back to '66
Published continually since 1994
My friends, it’s a big football Sunday and, of course, there’s only one game that matters to THE GURU, THE CHIEF, and THE TRE MAN: the 1 pm kickoff between the Giants (3-14 in 2024) and My Beloved Commies (14-6).
Fox has the broadcast from bucolic Landover, Md., but, before we make our pick, let’s briefly talk history as we prep for game #187 with the Jints leading the series 108-73 with five ties. More specifically, let’s talk about the wildest game in the rivalry, a 1966 affair that remains the highest-scoring contest in NFL history.
The date was November 27, and the Skins were favored by 17 points, the largest point spread in the history of the rivalry. Washington entered the game a middling 5-6 after three consecutive losses but the Giants were 1-8-11 with their only win a three-point squeaker over the DC folk in mid-October.
The Skins were led by two Hall of Famers: head coach Otto Graham, the former Browns QB legend, and quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, on his way to his third Pro Bowl appearance in ‘66. Across the sideline was Allie Sherman, the Giants head coach infamous for trading future HOF linebacker Sam Huff to Washington in 1964, a slight that Huff never forgot.
The game started with a bang as running back A.D. Whitfield scored three times in the first half - half of his career total! - and Washington led 34-14 at halftime. Sonny & Co. tacked on two more TDs in the third quarter - both touchdown passes to HOFer Charley Taylor - and led 48-28 heading into the fourth stanza.
In the final period, the Skins scored via a punt return (Rickie Harris), a fumble return (Brig Owens) and long rushing TD (HOFer Bobby Mitchell) to take a 69-41 advantage into the final minute. Washington had scored in every way imaginable - rushing (four TDs), passing (3), interception return (1), fumble return (1) and punt return (1) - but now the real fun was about to begin.
Indeed, with under a minute to go, Huff, looking to rub salt in Sherman’s wound, reportedly called for a timeout from the sideline. The reason? To put three more points on the board.
On cue, Charlie Gogolak - one of the NFL’s first soccer-style kickers2 - trotted out and booted a 29-yarder for the exclamation point, giving Washington a 72-41 win and providing vindication for Huff, the old West Virginia All-American who was named All-Pro six times and earned five Pro Bowl nods.
"I didn't get close to (Allie) Sherman because I would have hurt him if I could. But I looked across the field and shouted, 'Justice is done, you SOB.' I hate to say it, but it was the greatest moment of my life because I got even."
Fast forward to today and, while I’d love to see another 31-point win over the Giants, I think we’ll witness a tight one this afternoon. I could imagine either squad winning as NY is improving but I think the Giants’ doubting - or doubtful - (Andrew) Thomas3, is going to be a huge factor. See what I did there? Call it 20-19, DC.
SUNDAY
1 PM - FOX
Tampa Bay (10-7) falls at Atlanta (8-9) as Penix gets off to a fast start and the Falcons even the all-time rivalry at 32-32…
…Carolina (5-12) wins at Jacksonville (4-13) in a battle of two teams who entered the NFL in 1995…
…Cincinnati (9-8) wins at archrival Cleveland (3-14) in the Battle of Ohio. People want to talk about Burrow vs Flacco, sure, but the most exciting matchup here is Cincy’s SIR STRIPES vs. Cleveland’s RAVEN RON VALLO. With sincere apologies to Ron, let’s give a shoutout to Sam Wyche, shall we?…
1 PM - CBS
Las Vegas (4-13) drops its opener at New England (4-13) as Pete Carroll returns to the scene of his first NFL head coaching job. He may be approaching his mid-70s but Pete has his faculties about him, unlike my guy CORKY, who still thinks Jim Plunkett is on the roster. I’m seeing flashbacks to the Matt Millen-punches-the-GM game and more punts than a rugby match….
…Arizona (8-9) starts strong with a “W” at New Orleans (5-12). Cardinals vs. Saints is a dream - at least in name - for Big Easy Catholics, and a prayer vigil may be in the offing for the Saints’ O-line…
…Pittsburgh (10-7) wins its opener at the Jets (5-12) Rodgers returns to MetLife, but all New York eyes will be on Justin Fields, who may have the most ogled set of legs for this franchise since Joe Namath wore pantyhose...
…Miami (8-9) gets the victory at Indianapolis (8-9), sending FISHBOY into full-throated Super Bowl talk.
4:05 PM - FOX
San Francisco (6-11) falls to host Seattle (10-7). I want to pick the Niners here but McCaffrey is a little gimpy to start the season with a left calf issue and that concerns me. It’s a big day for Seattle’s Sam Darnold, who was biding his time on San Fran’s sideline just two seasons ago. And now he’s a $100 million man…
…Tennessee (3-14) starts slowly at Denver (10-7) as the Broncos roll. Head coach Sean Payton is thriving as he enters year three.
4:25 PM - CBS
Dee-troit (15-2) drops its opener at Green Bay (11-6). I think the Lions are headed for another big season but the Pack is primed to give Dan Campbell & Co. a run for their money. Expect Micah Parsons to play today and have an impact, even if he lines up vs. all-world OT Penei Sewell…
…Houston (10-7) loses a roadie at the Rams (10-7). Man, how my late friend - and proud Houstonian - RAVISHING ROY REYNOLDS would’ve loved this matchup. McVay makes the difference in an exciting chess match vs DeMeco Ryans.
8:20 PM - NBC
Baltimore (13-4) falls at Buffalo (13-4). With memories of last season’s playoff thriller dancing in everyone’s heads, Josh Allen makes a late-game play to give the Bills the W.
MONDAY
8:15 PM - ABC
Minnesota (14-3) travels to Chicago (5-12) and falls to the Bears. I’m a believer in the Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell but am on the Ben Johnson bus, for the time being. Expect a unique wrinkle or two - like something you might see on my neck - to give that Minnesota defense fits as Chicago starts its season off right.
That’s all for this week, folks. Enjoy the games! God bless!
The Giants and Skins hadn’t played the same number of games prior to November 27 as New York had already had their bye week, an NFL first in the 1966 season. The reason: the league had expanded to 15 teams with the inclusion of the Atlanta Falcons so each franchise got a one-week break in the midst of their 14-game schedule.
Charlie’s brother, Pete, was the NFL’s first to kick soccer style.
Note: Thomas is officially out today. liam